Paul Ryan and his plan to kill Medicare won't be running for president

(Jason Reed/Reuters)
 

Sadly, President Obama won't have the architect of the GOP's Medicare-repeal plan to kick around on the campaign trail next year:

The dream is dead. It's not often that Weekly Standard editor Bill Kristol and progressive-leaning Democrats mourn the same thing, but both are likely choking back a sob at the news that Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) definitely is not running for President.

Explains Ryan:

I sincerely appreciate the support from those eager to chart a brighter future for the next generation. While humbled by the encouragement, I have not changed my mind, and therefore I am not seeking our party's nomination for President.

I'm not sure if Ryan realizes this, but the the people encouraging him to run because they are "eager to chart a brighter future" were Democrats who wanted to ensure a 2012 victory, and his decision is a crushing blow.

Still, the dream is not entirely dead. Karl Rove thinks Sarah Palin is running. Hope springs eternal.